After many months of preparation, we’re excited to announce that a staged reading of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama RUINED is coming to the Kennedy Center next Monday, November 9.
The play, by award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, tells the fictional story of Mama Nadi, a brothel owner in eastern Congo who is both a shrewd entrepreneur and an unlikely protector of women in a region torn apart by war. Determined to remain neutral despite the conflict at her doorstep, Mama Nadi is hospitable to all – from Congolese soldiers, to members of rival rebel groups, to international prospectors in search of mineral wealth – so long as they leave their bullets at the bar when they arrive. But in a war zone where civilians, and women in particular, are targeted in vicious attacks, is it even possible to stay neutral?
As a testament to the importance of the story, the actors in Nottage’s play have donated their time and talent to bring the drama to a Washington audience. The Kennedy Center generously offered to sponsor this D.C. premiere, which will include a panel discussion with playwright, renowned Congolese journalist Chouchou Namegabe, and Enough co-founder John Prendergast.
The play recently finished up an extended run off-Broadway, where it attracted such notable audience members as the U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and Oprah Winfrey. Now, we are thrilled to be involved in ensuring that Washington policy makers and advocates see this powerful drama that movingly brings to light the real-life horror unfolding in Congo today.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are in short supply but may be reserved by calling the Kennedy Center box office at 202.467.4600. Alternatively, you can add your name to Enough’s waiting list by clicking here.
N.B.: For a hint of the play, check out this monologue by starring character Salima, played by actress Quincy Tyler Bernstine, and this excellent interview on PRI’s The World with playwright Lynn Nottage, talking about winning the 2009 Pulitzer for drama.